Los Angeles - Today, following a competitive review process, The Los Angeles City Council approved a five-year agreement with SMG for operating the Greek Theatre, a popular and historic venue in Griffith Park for concerts, community events and concessions. The agreement includes a four-million dollar capital improvement plan for the Greek as well as improvements around traffic, sound and infrastructure. Councilmember Ryu, who represents Griffith Park and the neighborhoods surrounding the Greek Theatre, released the following statement:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 22, 2018

Press Contact:

Estevan Montemayor

estevan.montemayor@lacity.org

213.605.4145

City Council Approves Greek Theatre Operations Agreement with SMG

Los Angeles - Today, following a competitive review process, The Los Angeles City Council approved a five-year agreement with SMG for operating the Greek Theatre, a popular and historic venue in Griffith Park for concerts, community events and concessions. The agreement includes a four-million dollar capital improvement plan for the Greek as well as improvements around traffic, sound and infrastructure. Councilmember Ryu, who represents Griffith Park and the neighborhoods surrounding the Greek Theatre, released the following statement:

“I am thrilled today to announce a new agreement between the City and SMG to operate our storied Greek Theatre,” Councilmember Ryu said. “This substantive agreement, which includes $4 million in improvements, is the result of a robust process which strived to meet the needs of the theatre and the surrounding community.”

“We are proud of the new agreement with SMG to assist with the daily management our iconic and historic Greek Theatre,” Mike Schull, General Manager of the Department of Recreation and Parks, said. “This agreement will bring real improvements to the Greek, and ensure this remains a cherished venue for the City of Los Angeles and a first class experience for our patrons and the surrounding community members.”

The Greek Theatre is owned by the City of Los Angeles’ Department of Recreation and Parks. SMG’s current agreement to operate the Greek Theatre expires on November 1st, 2018. The process to create a new agreement began in November 2017 with the release of a “Request for Proposals” that was open to all interested operators. The finalists from this process, SMG and Oak View Group (OVG), presented their proposals in March. Compared to OVG’s $1.1 million in capital improvements, SMG committed to $4 million dollars in improvements to the Greek Theatre, including renovations to three of the decks and concession stands, enhanced entrance and security, and the replacement of every chair, for the chance to operate the Greek Theatre for another five years.

"We are honored to continue management and operation of the Greek Theatre on behalf of the City of Los Angeles,” Doug Thornton, Executive Vice President of SMG, said. “The Greek Theatre is a unique facility in an extraordinary setting within Griffith Park. We look forward to our continued partnership with the City of Los Angeles."

The agreement allows for SMG to operate the Greek Theatre for five years, with the option for the City to renew the agreement for another five years. Aside from the $4 million in capital improvements, SMG committed to host monthly meetings with the nearby community, use sound monitoring services to study and reduce sound impacts on neighbors, and implementing a “hot-line” for community members to immediately contact SMG senior staff. SMG’s approved proposal also includes increased staff for parking, security and event management to ensure smooth events with little impact to nearby residents. SMG is also exploring non-impactful off-season opportunities to increase revenue for the Department of Recreation and Parks, including tours of the 88-year-old theatre.

“Operating the Greek Theatre is about more than just running a music venue,” Councilmember Ryu said. “It’s about serving the neighborhood, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors and ensuring the legacy of this cultural institution continues to make our City proud.”